Last night we saw Luciana Souza in Kalamazoo. It was billed as a quintet featuring featuring Romero Lubambo (g), Edward Simon (p), Scott Colley (b), and Antonio Sanchez (d). We were crestfallen when it was announced that the entire rhythm section, with the exception of Edward Simon (there had been a duo concert there the night before), were stuck on a plane in NYC. So, Luciana and Edward took the stage with two local players and faculty members from WMU: Keith Hall on drums and Tom Knific on bass.
Long story short, they did a fine job pulling it all together. Edward is a truly fine pianist, and Luciana is just... graceful, fluid, effortless, agile, in tune, warm, playful; and quite beautiful. I think her composing is great, and her interpretations of the music of others always hits the mark. Highly recommended if she shows up at a venue near you.